|
By the end of this post I'd like for you to have understood one key point: that the term biodegradable doesn't imply the same thing as the term compostable. To start, I am going to walk you through 3 items: 1) the meaning of compostable, 2) the definition of the word biodegradable, and 3) how to ensure that when you are buying food ware that's noted as compostable or biodegradable, you are not being misled. Let us begin. 1) The word compostable's definition is strictly managed by the scientific standards ASTM D6400, ASTM D-6868, and EN 13432. It means 3 things. #1) Biodegradability - this signifies that sixty to ninety percent of the package will break down within 180 days when placed in an industrial composting facility. #2) Disintegration - this indicates that 90% of the package will break down into little pieces that are 2mm in diameter or smaller. #3) Eco-Toxicity - this indicates that when the food ware degrades in an industrial facility it is not going to leave heavy metals that are poisonous to the soil above that of a control group. 2) The term biodegradable on the other hand, just means that the product is going to degrade over a period of time by natural occurences. It could stand for virtually any period of time... it could mean tens of years, it could take 1000s of years. Quite literally, even a regular oil based plastic bag or package is "biodegradable" - at some point, sooner or later, it is going to decompose. 3) Precisely what does this mean for food service ware? Well, you should look for products that are expressly labeled compostable. There are brands on the market that are using the word "biodegradable", and they are using it to greenwash their products as good for the environment and essentially trick you into purchasing them. I've done business with food service retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area who've been notified by SF Environment and by the composting center just north of SF that they don't take biodegradable packaging or biodegradable cups because they won't compost in a commercial composting facility. You need to be looking for food packaging products that specifically say that they're compostable. If it is cups, you are going to find a green ring and the term compostable on the cup. If it's on a knife, you will see the term compostable printed on it. You need to look for the term compostable or you can see if the item is Biodegradable Products Institute certified. The BPI ensures that food packaging products uphold to the standards that we reviewed a little bit ago. So, I trust you now understand the difference between food service ware that is compostable vs biodegradable. Good luck with all your eco-friendly product purchases!
Related Articles -
food packaging, biodegradable packaging, compostable packaging,
| 
